A roar went up on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange yesterday and it had nothing to do with bears or former bulls. It had to do with a Washington Wizard.

Michael Jordan, who makes his second return to the NBA tonight when the Knicks host the Wizards at the Garden, rang the closing bell. He lifted a wooden gavel with his right hand and struck it on the podium, ending another hectic day on Wall Street.

Jordan, who looked like the owner of a brokerage house in a dark conservative suit, announced late last month that he would return to the NBA after a three-year absence. He said he will donate his $1 million salary to help the city recover from the destruction the terrorists caused Sept. 11.

After seeing Ground Zero with his own eyes, Jordan canceled a 5:30 appearance at his restaurant in Grand Central Station. But at about 8:15 p.m., Jordan and his entourage arrived at Michael Jordan’s The Steakhouse.

That’s when we were quickly reminded what an enigma Jordan has always been. When asked what he would say to New Yorkers after his day downtown, Jordan came up small.

“I have no comment at this time,” he said.

No comment? Nothing about the devastation he saw or the courage of emergency workers who came from all five bouroughs, many never to return? Nothing about a city that has hit been hit by planes and anthrax and doesn’t miss a beat?

Curiously, after declining to comment, Jordan did not take his personal table, a secluded alcove booth. Instead he took a table overlooking the Grand Central Station lobby.

“Having Michael come to Grand Central Station shows it’s as vibrant and alive as it was prior to Sept. 11,” Penny Glazier, co-owner of the restaurant, told The Post.